GarethRobinson

^^Same^^

I've gone for Alan Wright as I simply couldn't stand it when Stan used to just hoof the ball up the field having just won possesion of it- which is all he ever did. That and the fact he spent his best years at Liverpool, before returning to top up his pension fund!

A) He is not a 'proven' premiership striker - he has done it for one season only - 10 of those goals, as you say, coming from the penalty spot Simon Jordan, C.Palace chairman - has categorically stated he is not for sale C) His celebrations in front of the Holte last year were tasteless - wouldnt want that idiot playing for my team. That is all!!!

I think its all smoke and mirrors. It really gets me to say it - but I now think the 4 we have on board are the 4 we will have on board come August 31st. I readily admit that this is a U turn in my part. Gutted about it I am too!

One of his quoted statements, whilst ill in hospital, as told by his wife - was that he asked the doctor, not long after the op, as to whether he could make Villa's pre-season tour of Sweden. He has no intention of leaving the club.

Well you need to start believing as that is EXACTLY what was going to happen The swap was approved, Juan Pablo was sent home to Columbia for an 'op' at the very start of that summer with absoloutley no intention of him returning to B6 again - indeed he was going to Betis, as a swap for 'Joey'. Fact. The reason the guy stayed is that he had a point to prove and a desire to play for a club he views as a sleeping giant - his aim, if I understand it correctly, is to help awaken a sleeping giant. With that being the very reason he chose to come to Villa in the first place as opposed to a plethora of other top european clubs. The guy has had a bad season. Period. I understand the questions now being posed, however - his ability has not left him overnight and I sincerley hope he makes a lot of people eat their words next season. injuries, piss poor strike partners, weak midfield, out of form team - all these factors need to be included in any equation as to why he has struggled this season. His desire and work rate should never be questioned though IMO - if it isn't painfully clear to see that the guy wants success and Villa then I wonder what it is people do see!

Laursen - the guy just oozes class.

As the title says - who would you like to see as captain? Stick with Mellberg? Give JPA an armband to go with is headband? Lee Hendrie?????

.......why does it really matter? Has to have Blue sleeves I am afraid - I would go for a hybrid of a couple of those - as has been concoted by others on this site

^^Thats a good idea^^

In principle it can seem a good idea - a way of the smaller clubs ensuring that their players are not constantly linked with a move away, with a possible transfer likley at any time. It allows, to a certain degree an element of protection - if you know a player is moving in Jan you can perhaps arrange to get a replacement..... But in reality it stinks - and I do think they need to get rid of it.

I dont see how. This way, using smoke and mirrors we can all argue that in actual fact we are now saving the cash to buy.......plucks name out of thin air - Steed Malbranque' If we were to say we lost out to Middlesbrough - well, erm, thats twice in two days to two clubs that finished beneath us last year.........how can that look better PR wise than the above?

Heh heh - Cheers Peter!